Zdp-189?

WValtakis

WValtakis

Hand engraving & Titanium anodizing
Knifemaker / Craftsman / Service Provider
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May 29, 2004
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Do any of the traditional makers use it? I love the steel in my modern folders and I'd like a traditional with the same awesome edge retention. Thanks in advance for any info you can provide.

~Chip

Edit: I did find the G.Sakai trekker and I'll probably pick one up :) Ideally I'd like a whittler though...
 
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ZDP sounds like an interesting extreme steel. I wouldn't go to a modern folder for the experience, but if it were in a traditional...
 
interesting question, I have heard that it is generally hard to work those modern alloys for the thin slipjoint blades.
 
Hard to work, sure it is. There are a few modern manufacturers who make blades just as thin as any slipjoint, so I'm sure it can be done. I would love to have a nice traditional with a supersteel blade, but it looks like custom is the most practical way to go. If there are any "production" folders out there (besides the s35vn cold steel stockman) with more exotic steels, please let me know!
 
onespdfrk said:
Hard to work, sure it is. There are a few modern manufacturers who make blades just as thin as any slipjoint, so I'm sure it can be done. I would love to have a nice traditional with a supersteel blade, but it looks like custom is the most practical way to go. If there are any "production" folders out there (besides the s35vn cold steel stockman) with more exotic steels, please let me know!
Click to expand...

I didn't know there was a Cold Steel stockman in S35. I have a Buck 303? in BG-42 that I picked up on the exchange for a very good price.
 
I figured I'd probably have to go custom. If anybody knows any custom makers that are willing to use zdp-189 please let me know.

~Chip
 
The Case bose collaborations are CPM154, as are some queen made knives like the Northwoods Indian River Jack. Not sure if that's considered a "super steel" anymore.

And because this thread doesn't have any pictures yet, here's my Case/Bose Lanny's clip in CPM154:
 
I don't think I've seen any Slip joint makers using Hitachi's ZDP-189. I know it can be run incredibly hard. I've got a few WH non-traditionals that are marked as HRC 67. They are a san mai construction. I'd like to experience a slip joint with that steel myself.
 
ZDP-189 is great on my Spydercos. I would really like it as well on some traditional knives because it is not stainless and for some reason the care that is needed with carbon steel is a big draw to traditional knives for me.

There are several production options in higher-end stainless steels (Northwoods IRJ in CPM-154, Buck 110 in S30V, Queen in D2, CSC in 14-4 CrMo, etc.) but these don't have the same "qualities" as carbon steel...
 
I seem to recall Mike Stewart stating that the Japanese steel makers only send that steel to Seki and other Japanese factories. That's why you see it in Spyderco's Seki line. One of the master Japanese makers, might get to use it in a slipjoint, but, I don't know if it would be feasible.
 
Unless you get high-quality diamond stone/hones, sharpening ZDP will make you slightly insane!
I have a US-made Kershaw Leek with it - I guess Kershaw could get it many years ago!!??
But forget about honing it on the bottom of a coffee mug!
I sharpened it many years ago, stuck it in a drawer, and there it sits.
Anyway, I like traditional style steel on my traditional knives!
That's why we're here!!
 
I know there's been quite a few offerings in other premium steels, I have a Robeson(Queen) in D2 and a Case/Bose in ATS-34 and they're both very nice. I'm definitely going to check out the G.Sakai trekker in zdp-189, but that just proves that it can be done...I'd really like to find a maker that's willing to do a more traditional pattern (again, ideally a whittler).

~Chip

Edit: And I don't have a problem sharpening zdp-189, I set the edge on my Yuna EQ-1 (laminated ATS-34 & ZDP-189) on my diamond stones when I first got it and I've been stropping ever since.
 
I've had a couple Spyderco knives in ZDP-189. Used the plain edge one and let it get dull. What a bear that was sharpening it. Sold it shortly thereafter. Still have the other with a serrated blade, it's a beater as it has a couple extra chips. Not a big fan of the steel.
 
The Queen built Tuna Valley series with buffalo horn have 154CM blades as well.

RS154open_zpsiwifs4hj.jpg~original
 
Again, I've seen a lot of nice offerings in other premium steels but I'm specifically looking for any makers that have used or are willing to use ZDP-189 in a traditional pattern. If anybody knows of one I'd really like to get in contact with them.

Thanks,
~Chip
 
I distinctly remember seeing a Seki City build SAK knockoff with a primary blade made of ZDP and a secondary in 440A. I'll see if I can find a link.
 
That's the G.Sakai Fieldman Trekking tool I mentioned earlier...I'm not sure if I can post a link to his site here though.

~Chip
 
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